Alex Lear
Staff Writer
Alex Lear is a lifelong Mainer who has spent 25 years in journalism -- the first 20 as a reporter for newspapers in Damariscotta and Falmouth, then as Opinions section editor for the Sun Journal and now a digital producer with the Maine Trust for Local News. His long-running “Learics” column won first place in the Maine Press Association’s 2023 Better Newspaper Contest. He and his wife Lauren are kept young by their 9-year-old daughter Alaina. Send feedback and suggestions to Alex.
Emily Ecker: Nutt ‘can be a good liaison’ for House District 79
I’m writing in favor of Charlotte Nutt to be my state representative. Charlotte is an independent candidate for House District 79, the towns of Paris, Sumner, West Paris, and Woodstock. She chose to be an independent because she is determined to serve everyone. Beginning in March, she started going door-to-door to introduce herself. She went […]
Loraine Duclos: Beal ‘cares deeply about all people’
I am writing to support the candidacy of Joan Beal for House of Representatives for District 81. Joan and I have common backgrounds, both as former teachers and former foster parents. I know firsthand the strength, dedication and caring it takes to do both of those jobs, and the moment I meant Joan I recognized […]
Jane Chandler: Bryant is truthful, ‘seeks realistic solutions’
I have known Bruce Bryant for about 20 years. He formerly served in the Maine House and Senate and has a proven track record of working for the people of Maine. Bruce would be a great senator for District 19 (towns in Oxford County include: Albany, Andover, Bethel, Buckfield, Byron, Canton, Dixfield, Gilead, Greenwood, Hanover, […]
Clarence Page: Harris makes the most of her chances, while Trump phones it in
Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris made no mistake about the opportunity before her last Tuesday night in her televised debate with Republican opponent Donald Trump. She was a woman with a plan, and she executed it flawlessly.
Rudolph Ziehm: Trump’s lies are pitiful, his financial history disastrous
On Sept. 10 it became obvious Donald Trump is failing mentally. He told his usual lies, but they were pitiful. He claimed verification from the “Faux” news crew, who recently cost their network over $700 million by lying about the 2020 election. That is not what one might call a “ringing endorsement.” Nor would I […]
Mary Ella Jones: RSU 16 voters should approve budget Sept. 17
Regional School Unit 16 voters will be voting on a third budget proposal on Tuesday, Sept. 17. According to the Maine Department of Education’s website, the most recent data (2022-23) states that the average per pupil costs in Maine was $17,654.00. RSU 16’s was $14,442.00, well below the state average and below many neighboring districts. […]
Cal Thomas: And the winner was…
I’d call this one a plus for Harris when it came to image and a plus for Trump on issues. In other words, a draw.